Taiwan Ministry Denies Handling iPhone 18 Inspections, Cites NCC Authority

Taiwan's Digital Development Ministry has officially refuted claims that it was privately undertaking inspection duties for the upcoming iPhone 18. Reports had suggested that the ministry had proactively agreed to handle these checks, which would facilitate the phone's planned release in Taiwan. However, the ministry issued a strong denial, stating that the reports are "not in line with the facts" and contradict the established division of responsibilities.

According to the ministry's statement, the inspection and certification of telecommunications radio frequency equipment, including mobile phones, remains the purview of the National Communications Commission (NCC). This division of authority is based on regulations and a division of responsibilities announced by the Executive Yuan in August 2022. The Digital Development Ministry's role, conversely, is focused on the planning, allocation, and assignment of radio frequencies.

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The relevant report alleging that the Ministry of Digital Affairs privately undertook inspection business for the iPhone 18 is not factual and does not comply with the current statutory division of responsibilities.

The clarification comes amid a period where the NCC is operating without commissioners, a situation that began on August 1. The reports, originating from the "Mirror Media" publication, had implied that the ministry's alleged involvement was a workaround to ensure the iPhone 18's market entry despite the NCC's current operational gap.

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According to current laws and regulations and the division of responsibilities, the inspection, issuance of inspection certificates, or inspection business for iPhone 18 and other mobile phones are still handled by the National Communications Commission (NCC).